Inkset, ink cartridge, inkjet recording method, and recorded matter

ABSTRACT

An ink set including at least a yellow ink composition, a magenta ink composition, and a cyan ink composition; the magenta ink composition containing as a colorant at least one type of compound expressed by the Formula M-1 in claim  1 ; the yellow ink composition containing as a colorant at least one type of compound expressed by the formula Y-1 in claim  1 ; and the cyan ink composition containing as a colorant at least one type of compound selected from the group consisting of compounds or salts thereof expressed by the Formula C-1 in claim  1.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to an ink set, and particularly to an ink set that is capable of forming an image with excellent moisturefastness and rapid drying properties while maintaining a practical level of lightfastness and ozonefastness, as well as to an ink cartridge, inkjet recording method, and recorded matter that use this ink set.

2. Related Art

In recent years attention has focused on the inkjet recording method. The inkjet recording method is a printing method where printing is performed by spraying an ink composition as small droplets, and these small droplets adhere to a recording medium such as paper or the like. This method has the characteristics of enabling high-speed printing of a high-resolution high quality image using a relatively inexpensive device. Furthermore, inkjet recording devices that use this method have wide acceptance in the market because of the excellent printing quality, low cost, relatively quiet operation, and excellent graphics capability. Of these devices, thermal (bubblejet (registered trademark)) and piezoelectric drop on demand printers have been especially commercially successful, and are widely used as printers for personal computers at the office and home.

Furthermore, in recent years, printed matter has been obtained by forming a color image using an inkjet recording method that uses a plurality of color ink compositions. Generally, formation of a color image is performed using three colors, namely a yellow ink composition, a magenta ink composition, and a cyan ink composition, or if desired, using four colors by adding a black ink composition. Furthermore, color images are also formed using six colors with the addition of a light cyan ink composition and a light magenta ink composition to the aforementioned four colors, or using seven colors by also adding a dark yellow ink composition. Combinations of two or more of these ink compositions are referred to as an ink set.

The ink compositions which are used in forming the aforementioned color image are required to have good coloring properties for the individual color of each ink composition, as well as the capability to create favorable intermediate colors when a plurality of ink compositions are combined, and the recorded matter obtained thereby must not discolor when stored.

Furthermore, in recent years continuous improvements have been made in the head, in the composition, recording method, and media in order to achieve “picture quality” printing using a color inkjet printer, and the image quality obtained is similar to a photograph and at a level indistinguishable from a “silver chloride photograph”. On the other hand, efforts are underway to improve the storage properties of the images of recorded matter obtained using a color inkjet printer by improving the ink compositions and the media, and in particular the lightfastness of the image has been improved to a practical level (for example, refer to JP-A-2000-290559 and JP-A-2001-288392). However, degradation of the image occurs not only because of the effect of light, but also because of oxidation due to oxidative gases existing in the environment such as ozone, and water (humidity) in the environment, and therefore discoloration and fading of the image will proceed. Therefore, in order to further improve the storage properties of the image of the recorded matter, the ozonefastness and humidityfastness should also be improved along with improving the lightfastness of the image formed by the ink. composition. Therefore, various investigations have been performed in order to improve the lightfastness, ozonefastness, and humidityfastness of the inkjet recorded matter, but in particular, efforts to date have been made to improve the ozonefastness of the colorants used in the ink composition (refer to International Patent WO02/060994 and JP-A-2002-371214).

Furthermore, in an ink set, if the lightfastness, ozonefastness, and humidityfastness of a specific ink composition are noticeably inferior to the lighffastness, ozonefastness, and humidityfastness of the other ink compositions, the color formed by that specific ink composition will fade and discolor faster than the other colors, so the color balance of the entire image will be poor, and an observer will be aware of the degradation in the picture quality of the image in a shorter period of time than they could be aware of fading of an image formed by only one ink composition, Therefore, with an ink set, in addition to improving the lightfastness, ozonefastness, and humidityfastness of each of the ink compositions which form the ink set, preferably the level of the lightfastness, ozonefastness, and humidityfastness of each of the ink compositions, or in other words the degradation speeds and the fading speeds of an image formed by each of the ink compositions due to light, ozone, and water will preferably be as similar as possible. In other words, the lighffastness, ozonefastness, and humidityfastness of each of the ink compositions that make up the ink set should be excellent, and preferably the difference in the lightfastness, ozonefastness, and humidityfastness of each ink composition will be small.

Furthermore, images with varying color intensities can be formed and an image without a grainy feel can be obtained by using an inkjet that includes two different tints of ink compositions with different color concentrations in the same color system. An ink set that includes two types of ink compositions with different color concentrations in this manner is used primarily for printing photograph images, but when forming the photographic image, generally an ink composition with a low color concentration is usually used in order to relieve or eliminate the graininess of the image. Furthermore, when evaluating the lightfastness, ozonefastness, and humidityfastness, a pattern with an optical concentration near 1.0 is formed as an evaluation sample using ink compositions with low color concentration. Therefore, in order to improve the lightfastness, ozonefastness, and humidityfastness of the overall ink set and the lightfastness, ozonefastness, and humidityfastness of recorded matter with photographic images, improving the lighffastness, ozonefastness, and humidityfastness of the ink compositions with low color concentration is critical. On the other hand, ink compositions with rich color concentrations are used for printing extremely vivid images and graphic art patterns, so improving the lightfastness, ozonefastness, and humidityfastness of these ink compositions is also important.

Furthermore, a black ink composition plays an important role from the viewpoint of achieving image contrast in the image, and therefore black ink compositions are commonly included in an ink set. Therefore, when a black ink composition is included in the ink set, the black ink composition must have excellent lightfastness, ozonefastness, and humidityfastness, while at the same time the degradation speed of the black ink composition due to light, ozone, or water must not differ extremely from the degradation speed of the other ink compositions which make up the ink set.

As described above, in an ink set, each of the individual ink compositions that make up the ink set must have good lightfastness, ozonefastness, and humidityfastness, while at the same time the balance between the lightfastness, ozonefastness, and humidityfastness of the different ink compositions must be good, and when exposed to light, ozone, and water, a specific color must not fade and/or discolor faster than the other colors. Furthermore, a bronzing phenomenon may occur when attempting to improve the lightfastness, ozonefastness, and humidityfastness of each of the ink compositions which make up an ink set, and this bronzing phenomenon must also be reduced. Bronzing phenomenon refers to the phenomenon of floating red visible ink printed regions when printing is performed at high duty, and is thought to have a tendency to easily occur particularly when fill printing (printing to fill in an area at 100% duty) using an ink composition that uses a metal phthalocyanine based dye as the colorant. The bronzing phenomenon affects the color balance of the entire image, and can lead to poor image quality.

Furthermore, any ink set that improves the degradation of image quality or the like and that is capable of recording and image with good ozonefastness on a recording medium, as well as an ink cartridge that stores this ink set, a recording method that uses this ink set, and recorded matter that is recorded using this ink set has previously been proposed (for example, refer to JP-A-2005-105135).

This ink set and the like achieves a level of lighffastness and ozonefastness practical for consumer applications.

Recent inkjet printers are printing at higher speeds, and the time provided for drying the printed matter has become extremely short. In the past, several minutes were required for printing text and images on a single page of recording medium, so this time could be used for the drying time. However, the printing speed will further accelerate in the future due to technology such as line head printers and the like, and printing in less than one second is considered possible. In this case, drying time for the ink will essentially be nonexistent.

Furthermore, the handling instructions for the printed matter of current inkjet printers encourages the user to “take care in storing the printed matter after printing” or to “take care not to overlay printed surfaces after printing and to ensure sufficient drying”. However, this type of handling places a significant burden on the user. In actuality, these instructions are often not followed. Furthermore, the printed matter output from a printer is commonly stored in an album or the like immediately after output.

Under these conditions, accommodating high-speed printing and improving the handling properties for the user are extremely important issues. Therefore, there is demand for an ink set that can maintain lightfastness and ozonefastness at a practical level while being able to record an image with good humidityfastness and rapid drying properties on a recording medium.

SUMMARY

The present invention was achieved in order to resolve the aforementioned problems, and relates to an ink set that is capable of forming an image with good moisturefastness and rapid drying properties on a recording medium while maintaining a practical level of lighffastness and ozonefastness, as well as to an ink cartridge that stores this ink set, a recording method that uses this ink set, and recorded matter that is recorded using this ink set.

The ink set of the present invention is an ink set including at least a yellow ink composition, a magenta ink composition, and a cyan ink composition, the magenta ink composition containing as a colorant at least one type of compound expressed by the following Formula M-1

(in Formula M-1, M represents a hydrogen atom, ammonium group, or alkali metal atom, X represents a diaminoalkylene group, and n is either 1 or 2); the yellow ink composition containing as a colorant at least one type of compound expressed by the following formula Y-1

(in the formula, X₁, X₂, Y₁, and Y₂ represent a hydrogen atom or a cyano group, Z₁ and Z₂ represent a substitution group with an aromatic ring, R₁ and R₂ represent an alkyl group, and M is a metal atom) the cyan ink composition containing as a colorant at least one type of compound selected from the group consisting of compounds or salts thereof expressed by the following Formula C-1

(in Formula C-1, X₁, X₂, X₃, and X₄ independently represent either —SO—Z or —SO₂—Z;

-   here Z independently represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl     group, a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl group, a     substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl group, a substituted or     unsubstituted aralkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl     group, or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group; -   Y₁, Y₂, Y₃, and Y₄ independently represent a hydrogen atom, a     halogen atom, an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an alkenyl group,     an aralkyl group, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group, a cyano     group, an hydroxyl group, a nitro group, an amino group, an     alkylamino group, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, an amido group,     an arylamino group, an ureido group, a sulfamoylamino group, an     alkylthio group, an arylthio group, an alkoxycarbonylamino group, a     sulfonamide group, a carbamoyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, a     heterocycloxy group, an azo group, an acyloxy group, a carbamoyloxy     group, a silyloxy group, an aryloxycalbonyl group, an     aryloxycalbonylamino group, an imido group, a heterocyclthio group,     a phospholyl group, an acyl group, or an ionic hydrophilic group,     and each of the groups may also have substitution groups; -   a₁ through a₄ and b₁ through b₄ represent the number of substitution     groups of X₁ through X₄ and Y₁ through Y₄; -   furthermore a₁ through a₄ are independently integers between 0 and     4, but are not all simultaneously 0; b₁ through b₄ are independently     integers between 0 and 4; -   M represents a hydrogen atom, a metal atom or oxide thereof, a     hydroxide, or a halide; -   however, at least one of X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, Y₁, Y₂, Y₃, and Y₄ is an     ionic hydrophilic group or a group which has an ionic hydrophilic     group as a substitution group).

Furthermore, with the ink set of the present invention, the n in the compound expressed by the Formula M-1 which is contained in the magenta ink composition as a colorant is preferably 2.

Furthermore, with the ink set of the present invention, the magenta ink composition preferably contains between 0.6 and 10 wt % of at least one type of compound expressed by Formula M-1, based on the total weight of the magenta ink composition.

Furthermore, with the ink set of the present invention, the magenta ink composition preferably includes a urea derivative.

Furthermore, with the ink set of the present invention, the urea derivative is preferably one or a blend of two or more compounds selected from the group consisting of urea, aryl urea, dimethylol urea, malonyl urea, carbamyl urea, n-butyl urea, dibutyl urea, N,N-dimethyl urea, 1,3-dimethyl urea, N-methyl urea, hydroxyurea, ethyl urea, methyl urea, creatinine, 2-imidazolidinone, benzyl urea, (R)-(+)-1-phenylethyl urea, phenyl urea, 3-hydroxyphenyl urea, 1-phenylsemicarbazide, 4-phenylsemicarbazide, N-benzoyl urea, and N,N′-O-phenylene urea.

Furthermore, with the ink set of the present invention, the magenta ink composition preferably contains between 0.5 and 20 wt % of urea derivative, based on the total amount of magenta ink composition.

Furthermore, with the ink set of the present invention, the compound expressed by Formula Y-1 which is contained in the yellow ink composition as a colorant is preferably a compound expressed by the following Formula Y-2

(in the formula, X₁, X₂, Y₁, and Y₂ represent a hydrogen atom or a cyano group, W₁ through W₅ and W₁₁ through W₁₅ each represent a hydrogen atom, or a carboxyl group or salt thereof, M represents a metal atom, and t-Bu represent a tertiary butyl group).

Furthermore, with the ink set of the present invention, the total amount of colorant in the yellow ink composition is preferably between 1 and 7 wt % based on the total amount of yellow ink composition.

Furthermore, with the ink set of the present invention, in the compound expressed by Formula C-1 that is contained as the cyan dye in the cyan ink composition, preferably M represents a copper atom, X₁, X₂, X₃, and X₄ represent —SO₂Z, Z represents R⁵ (R⁵ represents —(CH₂)₃SO₃M² where M² represents an alkali metal atom) or R⁶ (R⁶represents —(CH₂)₃SO₂NHCH₂CH(OH)CH₃), Y₁, Y₂, Y₃, and Y₄ are hydrogen atoms, a₁, a₂, a₃, and a₄ are either 0 or 1, two or more of a₁, a₂, a₃ and a₄ are 1, and b₁, b₂, b₃, and b₄ are integers such that the sum of each of them with the corresponding a₁, a₂, a₃, and a₄ is 4.

Furthermore, with the ink set of the present invention, M² preferably represents lithium.

Furthermore, with the ink set of the present invention, in the cyan dye, preferably Z in the compound expressed by Formula C-1 independently represents a blend consisting of tetrasulfonates, trisulfonates, and disulfonates selected from R⁵ or R⁶, and the molar ratio of R⁵ and R⁶ contained in the overall cyan dye is R⁵/R⁶=3/1.

Furthermore, with the ink set of the present invention, at least one type of compound selected from the group consisting of compounds or salts thereof expressed by Formula C-1 is preferably contained as a colorant in the cyan ink composition, and the total amount of colorant contained therein is between 1.0 and 10 wt % based on the total weight of the cyan ink composition.

Furthermore, with the ink set of the present invention, the cyan ink composition preferably contains at least one type of compound selected from the group consisting of naphthalene based aromatic compounds or salts thereof having a carboxyl group in the second position.

Furthermore, with the ink set of the present invention, the salt of the naphthalene based aromatic compound having a carboxyl group in the second position is preferably a lithium salt.

Furthermore, the ink set of the present invention preferably also contains a black ink composition.

Furthermore, with the ink set of the present invention, the black ink composition preferably contains a colorant expressed by the following Formula Bk-1 and/or the colorant expressed by the following Formula Bk-7 A₁-N═N-A₂-N═N-A₃  (Bk-1) (in Formula Bk-1, A₁ represents a substitution group expressed by the following Formula Bk-2 or Bk-3, A₂ represents a substitution group expressed by the following Formula Bk-4 or Bk-5, and A₃ represents a substitution group expressed by the following Formula Bk-6)

(in Formula Bk-7, R₁ represents a halogen atom, H, SO₃M, or COOM, R₂ and R₃ independently represent H, SO₃M, or COOM, and M represents either lithium or sodium. However, R₂ and R₃ are not both H)

(in Formula Bk-2, M represents either lithium or sodium)

(in Formula Bk-3, M represents either lithium or sodium)

(in Formula Bk-6, M represents either lithium or sodium).

Furthermore, with the ink set of the present invention, the total of the amount of colorant expressed by Formula Bk-1 and the amount of colorant expressed by Formula Bk-7 is preferably between 5 and 8 wt % of the black ink composition.

Furthermore, with the ink set of the present invention, the formulation ratio of the colorant expressed by Formula Bk-1 and the colorant expressed by Formula Bk-7 in the black ink composition is preferably between 2:1 and 1:2.

Furthermore, with the ink set of the present invention, preferably the black ink composition further contains a colorant expressed by the following Formula Adj-1.

(in the formula, M represents either lithium or sodium.)

Furthermore, with the ink set of the present invention, the colorant expressed by Formula Adj-1 is preferably the colorant expressed by the following Formula Adj-1-1.

Furthermore, with the ink set of the present invention, preferably the black ink composition further contains C. I. Direct Yellow 86 as a colorant.

Furthermore, with the ink set of the present invention, the ink composition preferably contains a nonionic surfactant.

Furthermore, with the ink set of the present invention, the nonionic surfactant is preferably an acetylene glycol surfactant.

Furthermore, with the ink set of the present invention, the ink composition preferably contains between 0.1 and 5 wt % of the nonionic surfactant.

Furthermore, with the ink set of the present invention, the ink composition preferably contains a penetration enhancing agent.

Furthermore, with the ink set of the present invention, the penetration enhancing agent is preferably a glycol ether.

The ink cartridge of the present invention integrally or independently stores the ink set.

The inkjet recording method of the present invention records uses the aforementioned ink set or the aforementioned ink cartridge.

The recorded matter of the present invention is recorded using the aforementioned ink set or the aforementioned ink cartridge.

The ink set of the present invention can maintain the lightfastness and ozonefastness of and image on recorded matter which has been printed using this ink set at a practical level, while providing excellent humidityfastness and rapid drying properties, by using a compound or salt thereof expressed by Formula C-1 (hereinafter referred to as C-1 dye) as the colorant in the cyan ink composition, using a compound expressed by Formula M-1 as the colorant in the magenta ink composition, and using a compound expressed by Formula Y-1 as the colorant in the yellow ink composition.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present inventors have constructed an ink set by combining various types of ink compositions in a plurality of colors, and using this ink set, have performed investigations to maintain the lightfastness and ozonefastness of the image formed at a practical level, while improving the humidityfastness and the rapid drying properties. As a result, the present inventors have discovered that an ink set that maintains the lightfastness and ozonefastness of the image on recorded matter at a practical level while having excellent humidityfastness and rapid drying properties can be obtained by recording the image using an ink set that contains cyan, magenta, and yellow ink compositions that use dyes which have the aforementioned specific constructions.

The ink set of the present invention is used for a recording method that uses an ink composition, and examples of the recording method that use an ink composition include an inkjet recording method, a recording method using a writing instrument such as a pen, as well as various other types of printing and printing methods. In particular, the ink set of the present invention preferably is an ink set that uses an inkjet printing method.

Each of the ink compositions included in the ink set of the present invention will be described. First the colorants included in each of the ink compositions will be described below for the ink compositions of each color. By using dyes which have specific chemical structures as the colorants in ink compositions of each color in the ink set of the present invention, the lighffastness and ozonefastness of the entire ink set can be maintained at a practical level while achieving excellent humidityfastness and rapid drying properties.

The colorant that is used in the cyan ink composition that is a part of the ink set of the present invention will be described. The cyan based dye that is used as a colorant in the cyan ink composition of the present invention is a compound selected from the group consisting of phthalocyanine compounds or salts thereof expressed by the following Formula C-1.

Herein, the X₁, X₂, X₃, and X₄ in Formula C-1 independently represent either —SO—Z or —SO₂—Z. Here, Z independently represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group.

Y₁, Y₂, Y₃, and Y₄ independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group, a cyano group, an hydroxyl group, a nitro group, an amino group, an alkylamino group, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, an amido group, an arylamino group, an ureido group, a sulfamoylamino group, an alkylthio group, an arylthio group, an alkoxycarbonylamino group, a sulfonamide group, a carbamoyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, a heterocycloxy group, an azo group, an acyloxy group, a carbamoyloxy group, a silyloxy group, an aryloxycalbonyl group, an aryloxycalbonylamino group, an imido group, a heterocyclthio group, a phospholyl group, an acyl group, or an ionic hydrophilic group, and each of the groups may also have substitution groups.

a₁ through a₄ and b₁ through b₄ represent the number of substitution groups of X₁ through X₄and Y₁ through Y₄. Furthermore a₁ through a₄ are independently integers between 0 and 4, but are not all simultaneously 0. b₁ through b₄ are independently integers between 0 and 4.

M represents a hydrogen atom, a metal atom or oxide thereof, a hydroxide, or a halide.

However, at least one of X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, Y₁, Y₂, Y₃, and Y₄ is an ionic hydrophilic group or a group which has an ionic hydrophilic group as a substitution group.

In the aforementioned Formula C-1 of the present invention, a₁, a₂, a₃, and a₄ are preferably either 0 or 1, two or more of a₁, a₂, a₃, and a₄ are 1, and b₁, b₂, b₃, and b₄ are preferably such that the sum with the corresponding a₁, a₂, a₃, and a₄ equals 4.

As described above, the X₁, X₂, X₃, and X₄ in the aforementioned Formula C-1 are independently represent either —SO—Z or —SO₂—Z, where Z can further have a substitution group, and examples of the substitution groups that can be on Z include a halogen atom (for example a chlorine atom or a bromine atom); a straight chain or a branched chain alkyl group with between 1 and 12 carbons, an aralkyl group with between 7 and 18 carbons, and alkenyl group with between 2 and 12 carbons, a straight chain or branched chain alkynyl group with between 2 and 12 carbons, a cycloalkyl group with between 3 and 12 carbons which may also have a side chain, a cycloalkenyl group with between 3 and 12 carbons which may also have a side chain (examples of these groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, t-butyl, 2-methanesulfonyl ethyl, 3-phenoxy propyl, trifluoromethyl, and cyclopentyl); aryl groups (such as phenyl, 4-t-butylphenyl, and 2,4-di-t-amylphenyl); heterocyclic groups (such as imidazolyl, pirazolyl, triazolyl, 2-furyl, 2-thienyl, 2-pirimidinyl, and 2-benzothiazolyl); alkyloxy groups (such as methoxy, ethoxy, 2-methoxyethoxy, and 2-methanesulfonylethoxy); aryloxy groups (such as phenoxy, 2-methylphenoxy, 4-t-butylphenoxy, 3-nitrophenoxy, 3-t-butyloxycarbamoylphenoxy, and 3-methoxycarbamoyl); acylamino groups (such as acetoamido, benzamido, and 4-(3-t-butyl4-hydroxyphenoxy)butaneamido); alkylamino groups (such as methylamino, butylamino, diethylamino, and methylbutylamino); anilino groups (such as phenylamino and 2-chloroanilino); ureido groups (such as phenylureido, methylureido, and N,N-dibutylureido); sulfamoylamino groups (such as N,N-dipropylsulfamoylamino); alkylthio groups (such as methylthio, octylthio, and 2-phenoxyethylthio); arylthio groups (such as phenylthio, 2-butoxy-5-t-octylphenylthio, and 2-carboxyphenylthio); alkyloxycarbonylamino groups (such as methoxycarbonylamino); sulfonamide groups (such as methanesulfonamide, benzenesulfonamide, p-toluenesulfonamide, and octadecane); carbamoyl groups (such as N-ethyl carbamoyl, and N,N-dibutylcarbamoyl); sulfamoyl groups (such as N-ethyl sulfamoyl, N,N-dipropylsulfamoyl, and N,N-diethylsulfamoyl); sulfonyl groups (such as methanesulfonyl, octanesulfonyl, benzenesulfonyl, and toluenesulfonyl); alkyloxycarbonyl groups (such as methoxycarbonyl and butyloxycarbonyl); heterocycloxy groups (such as 1-phenyltetrazol-5-oxy, and 2-tetrahydropiranyloxy); azo groups (such as phenylazo, 4-methoxyphenylazo, 4-pivaroylaminophenylazo, 2-hydroxy4-propanoylphenylazo); acyloxy groups (such as acetoxy); carbamoyloxygroups (such as N-methylcarbamoyloxy, and N-phenylcarbamoyloxy); silyloxy groups (such as trimethylsilyloxy, and dibutylmethylsilyloxy); aryloxycalbonylamino groups (such as phenoxycalbonylamino); imide groups (such as N-succinimide, and N-phthalimide): heterocyclothio groups (such as 2-benzothiazolylthio, 2,4-di-phenoxy-1,3,5-triazole-6-thio, and 2-piridylthio); sulfinyl groups (such as 3-phenoxypropylsufinyl); phosphonyl groups (such as phenoxyphosphonyl, octyloxyphosphonyl, and phenylphosphonyl); aryloxycarbonyl groups (such as phenoxycarbonyl); acyl groups (such as acetyl, 3-phenylpropanoyl, and benzoyl); ionic hydrophilic groups (such as carboxyl groups, sulfo groups, and quaternary ammonium groups); cyano groups; hydroxy groups; nitro groups; and amino groups and the like.

Furthermore, the ionic hydrophilic group in Formula C-1 includes sulfo groups, carboxyl groups, and quaternary ammonium groups and the like. The ionic hydrophilic group is preferably a carboxyl group or a sulfo group, and a sulfo group is particularly preferable. The carboxyl group and the sulfo group can be salts, and specific examples of the counterion that forms the salt include alkali metal ions (such as a sodium ion, a potassium ion, or a lithium ion) and organic cations (such as a tetramethylguanidium ion).

Of the compounds expressed by Formula C-1, compounds where M in Formula C-1 is a copper atom, X₁ through X₄ represent —SO₂Z, where Z represents R⁵ (R⁵ represents —(CH₂)₃SO₃M² where M² represents an alkali metal atom.) and/or R⁶ (R⁶ represents —(CH₂)₃SO₂NHCH₂CH(OH)CH₃) are preferable, and those compounds where M² is lithium are even more preferable. In particular, those compounds expressed by Formula C-1 are preferably blends of tetrasulfonic acids, trisulfonic acids, and disulfonic acids where R⁵/R⁶ (molar ratio)=3/1. These tetrasulfonic acids, trisulfonic acids, and disulfonic acids correspond to the case where a₁ through a₄ in Formula C-1 are all equal to 1, the case where any three of a₁ through a₄ are equal to 1 and one is equal to 0, and the case where any two of a₁ through a₄ are equal to 1, and the other two are equal to 0, respectively.

In particular, in the compound expressed by Formula C-1 that is the cyan dye, the case where M represents a copper atom, X₁, X₂, X₃, and X₄ represent —SO₂Z, Z represents R⁵ (R⁵ represents —(CH₂)₃SO₃M² where M² represents an alkali metal atom.) or R⁶ (R⁶represents —(CH₂)₃SO₂NHCH₂CH(OH)CH₃), Y₁, Y₂, Y₃, and Y₄ are hydrogen atoms, a₁, a₂, a₃, and a₄ are either 0 or 1, two or more of a₁, a₂, a₃ and a₄ are 1, and b₁, b₂, b₃, and b₄ are integers such that the sum of each of them with the corresponding a₁, a₂, a₃, and a₄ is 4 is particularly preferable because a colorant with favorable tone (including chroma) can be provided, while also ensuring water solubility.

In this case, if M₂ is lithium, the water solubility of the colorant can be ensured, and bronzing can be avoided, so this is even more preferable.

Furthermore, in this case, Z independently represents a blend consisting of tetrasulfonates, trisulfonates, and disulfonates selected from R⁵ or R⁶, and the molar ratio of R⁵ and R⁸ contained in the overall cyan dye is R⁵/R⁶=3/1, but preferably both ozonefastness and suppression of bronzing are achieved to a higher dimension.

The method of synthesizing the compound shown in Formula C-1 will be shown below.

In the aforementioned reaction, the phthalocyanine compound expressed by general formula II is one form of the compound expressed by Formula C-1, and is a compound that can be used at the present invention. The phthalocyanine compound expressed by general formula II can be synthesized by reacting a metal derivative expressed by M-(Y)d with a phthalonitrile compound expressed by general formula III and/or a diiminoisoindoline compound expressed by general formula IV. Note, in general formula II, general formula III, and general formula IV, Z and Z₁ through Z₄ have the same meaning as Z in Formula C-1, and M has the same meaning as in Formula C-1. Here, Y represents a monovalent or divalent ligand such as a halogen atom, an acetate anion, an acetylacetonate, or an oxygen atom or the like, and d represents an integer between 1 and 4. Examples of metal derivatives expressed by M-(Y)d include halides, carboxylate derivatives, sulfate, nitrate, carbonyl compounds, oxides, and complexes or the like of Al, Si, Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ge, Ru, Rh, Pd, In, Sn, Pt, and Pb. Specific examples of these metal derivatives include copper chloride, copper bromide, copper iodide, nickel chloride, nickel bromide, nickel acetate, cobalt chloride, cobalt bromide, cobalt acetate, iron chloride, zinc chloride, zinc bromide, zinc iodide, zinc acetate, vanadium chloride, vanadium oxytrichloride, palladium chloride, palladium acetate, aluminum chloride, manganese chloride, manganese acetate, acetylacetone manganese, manganese chloride, lead chloride, lead acetate, indium chloride, titanium chloride, and tin chloride and the like.

The compound expressed by general formula II obtained in this manner normally is a blend of compounds expressed by the following general formulas a-1 through a-4 which are isomers for the positions of (SO₂—Z₁), (SO₂—Z₂), (SO₂—Z₃), and (SO₂—Z₄) in general formula II (these groups also correspond to R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ in Formula 1).

In the present invention, the amount of cyan based dye included in the cyan ink composition is determined by the types of X₁ through X₄ and Y₁ through Y₄, as well as the type of solvent component used for manufacturing the ink composition, but in the present invention, the total amount of cyan based dye (Formula C-1 dye) expressed by Formula C-1 in the cyan ink composition is preferably between 1 and 10 wt %, more preferably between 2 and 6 wt % of the total amount of cyan ink composition. If the total amount of Formula C-1 dye included in the cyan ink composition is 1 wt % or higher, the chromic properties of the ink on the recording medium after printing will be favorable, and the required image density can be achieved. Furthermore, if the total amount of C-1 dye included in the cyan ink composition is 10 wt % or lower, the discharge properties of the cyan ink composition will be favorable when using the inkjet recording method, and the inkjet nozzles will not easily become plugged, and the like.

As described above, with the cyan ink composition in the ink set of the present invention, other cyan based dyes can also be used in order to adjust the color of the ink, to the degree that the lighffastness and ozonefastness can be maintained at a practical level and the humidityfastness and rapid drying properties are not severely affected.

Examples of other cyan based dyes which can be used with the present invention include C. I. Direct Blue 1, 10, 15, 22, 25, 55, 67, 68, 71, 76, 77, 78, 80, 84, 86, 87, 90, 98, 106, 108, 109, 151, 156, 158, 159,160, 168, 189, 192, 193, 194, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 207, 211, 213, 214, 218, 225, 229, 236, 237, 244, 248, 249, 251, 252, 264, 270, 280, 288, 289, 291, C. I. Acid Blue 9, 25, 40, 41, 62, 72, 76, 78, 80, 82, 92, 106, 112, 113, 120, 127:1, 129, 138, 143, 175, 181, 205, 207, 220, 221, 230, 232, 247, 258, 260, 264, 271, 277, 278, 279, 280, 288, 290, 326, C. I. Reactive Blue 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 38, C. I. Basic Blue 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 22, 26, 41, 45, 46, 47, 54, 57, 60, 62, 65, 66, 69, 71, and the like, but there is no restriction to only these.

With the present invention, the cyan ink composition preferably contains at least one type of compound selected from naphthalene based aromatic compounds or salts thereof having a carboxyl group in the second position. By adding at least one type of compound selected from the group consisting of naphthalene based aromatic compounds or salts thereof having a carboxyl group in the second position, the occurrence of bronzing phenomenon with the cyan ink composition can be prevented. The aforementioned bronzing phenomenon is known to be a phenomenon where floating red is observed in an area where high duty printing such as fill printing is performed on special inkjet recording media (particularly high gloss recording media) using an ink composition which contains a cyan based dye. When the bronzing phenomenon occurs, the color balance of the entire image will be nonuniform and the image quality will be degraded, so a favorable image will not be obtained.

Of the naphthalene based aromatic compounds with a carboxyl group in the second position which are used with the present invention, alkali metal salts of naphthalene based aromatic compounds with a carboxyl group in the second position are particularly preferable. Of these alkali metal salts, the use of lithium salt is particularly preferable. If lithium salts is used, not only can the bronzing phenomenon be prevented, but plugging of the inkjet nozzle will not easily occur.

Examples of naphthalene based aromatic compounds with a carboxyl group in the second position or salts thereof include 2-naphthoic acid, 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 2, 6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, 3-methoxy-2-naphthoic acid, 3-ethoxy-2-naphthoic acid, 3-propoxy-2-naphthoic acid, 6-methoxy-2-naphthoic acid, 6-ethoxy-2-naphthoic acid, and 6-propoxy-2-naphthoic acid and the like, as well as salts thereof, particularly lithium salts. 2-naphthoic acid and the lithium salt thereof are particularly preferable.

The method of adding a salt of a naphthalene based aromatic compound with a carboxyl group in the second position to the ink composition can be either a method of adding the compound to the ink in the form of a salt, or a method of adding the compound to the ink composition and then separately adding a base that can form a salt with the naphthalene based aromatic compound that has a carboxyl group in the second position. Furthermore, at least one type of compound selected from the group consisting of naphthalene based aromatic compounds with a carboxyl group in the second position and salts thereof can be used with the present invention, or both a naphthalene based aromatic compound with a carboxyl group at the second position and a salt thereof can be used in combination.

If at least one type of compound selected from the group consisting of naphthalene based aromatic compounds with a carboxyl group at the second position or salt thereof (hereinafter referred to as naphthalene based aromatic compound with a carboxyl group at the second position) is added to the cyan ink composition of the ink set of the present invention, the total amount of naphthalene based aromatic compound having a carboxyl group at the second position added is preferably between 0.1 and 10 wt %, more preferably between 0.5 and 5 wt % of the total amount of the ink composition. The suitable and preferable amount of naphthalene-based aromatic compound having a carboxyl group in the second position or the like included in the ink composition can be determined based on the type of compound, the types of dyes included in the ink composition, and the type of solvent used in the ink composition, and the like.

The ratio of the amount of cyan dye (wt %) included in the cyan ink composition and the amount of naphthalene based aromatic compound having a carboxyl group in the second position (wt %) is preferably between 1:0.1 and 1:10, more preferably between 1:0.3 and 1:6. If the amount of cyan dye in the cyan ink composition is 1, occurrence of the bronzing phenomenon can be reduced if the amount of naphthalene based aromatic carboxylic acid with a carboxyl group at the second position is greater than 0.1, and plugging of the inkjet nozzles can be prevented if the amount of naphthalene based aromatic compound having a carboxyl group at the second position is less than 10.

Furthermore, in order to stabilize and dissolve the naphthalene based aromatic compound having a carboxyl group in the second position in the cyan ink composition, the pH of the ink composition at 20° C. is preferably 8.0 or higher. Note, the pH of the ink composition of the present invention is the value measured using a commercial pH meter by directly inserting the pH electrode into the ink composition.

Next, the colorant that is used in the magenta ink composition of the ink set of the present invention will be described.

The magenta ink composition of the present invention contains as a colorant at least one type of compound expressed by the following formula M-1.

Here, in Formula M-1, M represents a hydrogen atom, ammonium group, or alkali metal atom, X represents a diaminoalkylene group, and n is either 1 or 2.

The magenta ink composition used in the ink set of the present invention contains as a colorant at least one type of compound expressed by Formula M-1 in an aqueous medium consisting of water and water-soluble organic solvents, and if necessary, can also contain a moisture retaining agent, a surfactant, a penetration enhancing agent, a viscosity adjusting agent, a pH adjusting agent, and other additives. By using the compound expressed by Formula M-1, an ink composition can be provided that maintains the lightfastness and ozonefastness at a practical level, that has excellent humidityfastness and rapid drying properties, and that has balanced properties.

The preferable form of the magenta ink composition is an ink composition that provides enhanced stability, humidityfastness, lightfastness, and ozonefastness to the recorded matter of the colorant, by adding as an additive an antifoaming agent, a urea derivative, a nonionic surfactant, and a penetration enhancing agent, added either independently or as a combination of two or more.

With the compound expressed by Formula M-1 (magenta based dye) added as a colorant to the magenta ink composition, M represents a hydrogen atom, or an ammonium group or alkali metal atom that forms a salt, X represents a diaminoalkylene group, and n is either 1 or 2.

The compound expressed by general formula M-1 can be a single type used independently or a plurality of types may be used together. Of these compounds expressed by general formula M-1, compounds which have a construction where n equals 2 will have a favorable humidityfastness, and are particularly preferable.

Furthermore, other magenta based dyes can be jointly used in the magenta ink composition in order to adjust the color or the like to the degree that the various properties such as lightfastness are not significantly degraded.

Examples of magenta based dyes other than compounds expressed by Formula M-1 include C. I. Direct Red 2, 4, 9, 23, 26, 31, 39, 62, 63, 72, 75, 76, 79, 80, 81, 83, 84, 89, 92, 95, 111, 173, 184, 207, 211, 212, 214, 218, 221, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 232, 233, 240, 241, 242, 243, 247, C. I. Direct Violet 7, 9, 47, 48, 51, 66, 90, 93, 94, 95, 98, 100, 101, C. I. Acid Red 35, 42, 52, 57, 62, 80, 82, 111, 114, 118, 119, 127, 128, 131, 143, 151, 154, 158, 249, 254, 257, 261, 263, 266, 289, 299, 301, 305, 336, 337, 361, 396, 397, C. I. Acid Violet 5, 34, 43, 47, 48, 90, 103, 126, C. I. Reactive Red 3, 13, 17, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 29, 35, 37, 40, 41, 43, 45, 49, 55, C. I. Reactive Violet 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 33, 34, C. I. Basic Red 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 35, 36, 38, 39, 45, 46, C. I. Basic Violet 1, 2, 3, 7, 10, 15, 16, 20, 21, 25, 27, 28, 35, 37, 39, 40, 48 and the like.

The total amount of compound expressed by Formula M-1 added is preferably between 0.6 and 10.0 wt %, more preferably between 0.8 and 8 wt % based on the total weight of the ink composition. The chromic properties can be ensured if the amount is 0.6 wt % or higher, and the reliability with regards to plugging or the like can be ensured if the amount is 10.0 wt % or less.

Adding a urea derivative to the magenta ink composition has the effect of enhancing the lighffastness.

Examples of the urea derivative that can be used with the present invention include urea, aryl urea, dimethylol urea, malonyl urea, carbamyl urea, n-butyl urea, dibutyl urea, N,N-dimethyl urea, 1,3-dimethyl urea, N-methyl urea, hydroxyurea, ethyl urea, methyl urea, creatinine, 2-imidazolidinone, benzyl urea, (R)-(+)-1-phenylethyl urea, phenyl urea, 3hydroxyphenyl urea, 1-phenylsemicarbazide, 4phenylsemicarbazide, N-benzoyl urea, and N,N′-O-phenylene urea, and the like, and these compounds can be used independently or can be used as a combination of two or more types.

The amount of the urea derivative is preferably in a range between 0.5 and 20 wt %, more preferably in a range between 1 and 16 wt %, and even more preferably in a range between 2 and 12 wt %, based on the total weight of the ink composition. The effect of improving the like resistance by adding a urea derivative can be clearly seen if the amount added is 0.5 wt % or higher, and good reliability with regards to plugging or the like can be maintained if the amount added is 20 wt % or less.

And the magenta ink composition, the content ratio of the magenta based dye expressed by Formula M-1 and the urea derivative is preferably in a range between 5:1 and 1:10, more preferably in a range between 4:1 and 1:8, and even more preferably in a range between 3:1 and 1:5. By maintaining the ratio of both components in this range, the properties of increased lightfastness and enhanced reliability can be achieved to a higher dimension.

In order to stabilize and dissolve the aforementioned colorant and the urea derivative and the like, the pH (20° C.) of the ink composition is preferably at 8.0 or higher. Furthermore, when the compatibility with the materials is considered when the ink composition contacts with various types of materials, the pH of the ink composition is preferably 10.5 or lower. In order to better achieve both properties, the pH of the ink composition is more preferably adjusted to between 8.5 and 10.0.

Next, the colorant that is used in the yellow ink composition that is a part of the ink set of the present invention will be described.

In the ink set of the present invention, the yellow ink composition contains as a colorant at least one type of compound expressed by the following formula Y-1.

(in the formula, X₁, X₂, Y₁, and Y₂ represent a hydrogen atom or a cyano group, Z₁ and Z₂ represent a substitution group with an aromatic ring, R₁ and R₂ represent an alkyl group, and M is a metal atom.)

In particular, the compound expressed by Formula Y-1 is preferably the compound expressed by Formula Y-2, from the viewpoint of improved lighffastness and ozonefastness,

(in the formula, X₁, X₂, Y₁, and Y₂ represent a hydrogen atom or a cyano group, W₁ through W₅ and W₁₁ through W₁₅ each represent a hydrogen atom, or a carboxyl group or salt thereof, M represents a metal atom, and t-Bu represent a tertiary butyl group.)

Furthermore, with the present invention, other yellow based dyes can also be used in order to adjust the color of the yellow ink composition, to the degree that the lightfastness and ozonefastness can be maintained at a practical level and the humidityfastness and rapid drying properties are not severely affected.

With the present invention, the concentration of color and included in the yellow ink composition can be suitably selected based on the color value of the compound (dye) used as the colorant, but the total amount of colorant in the yellow ink composition is preferably between 1.0 and 7.0 wt % based on the total weight of the yellow ink composition. Good chromic properties can be obtained if the concentration of the total amount of colorants included in the yellow ink composition is 1.0 wt % or higher, and characteristics such as nozzle spraying properties are the like which are required for the ink composition to be used with the inkjet recording method will be favorable and plugging of the ink nozzle can be prevented if the concentration of the total amount of colorant is 7.0 wt % or less.

Next, the colorant that is used in the black ink composition that is a part of the ink set of the present invention will be described.

The ink set of the present invention can also contain a black ink composition if desired. By including a black ink composition in the ink set of the present invention, an image with favorable contrast can be formed on the recording media.

The black ink composition contains a colorant expressed by the following Formula Bk-1 and/or the colorant expressed by the following Formula Bk-7, and if necessary, can also contain a surfactant, a permeation promoter, and other additives. Furthermore, one of either the colorant expressed by Formula Bk-1 or the colorant expressed by Formula Bk-7 can be used alone, or a blend of two or more may be used. The properties of humidityfastness and rapid drying which are main objectives of the present invention can be achieved if one of either the colorant expressed by Formula Bk-1 or the colorant expressed by Formula Bk-7 is used independently. On the other hand, prevention of bronzing on glossy media and chromic properties (optical concentration) on non-glossy media (matte type media or regular paper) can also be achieved by using both the colorant expressed by Formula Bk-1 and the colorant expressed by Formula Bk-7 together. A₁-N═N-A₂-N═N-A₃  (Bk-1) (in Formula Bk-1, A₁ represents a substitution group expressed by the following Formula Bk-2 or Bk-3, A₂ represents a substitution group expressed by the following Formula Bk-4 or Bk-5, and A₃ represents a substitution group expressed by the following Formula Bk-6.)

(in Formula Bk-7, R₁ represents a halogen atom, H, SO₃M, or COOM, R₂ and R₃ independently represent H, SO₃M, or COOM, and M represents either lithium or sodium. However, R₂ and R₃ are not both H.)

(in Formula Bk-2, M represents either lithium or sodium.)

(in Formula Bk-3, M represents either lithium or sodium.)

(in Formula Bk-6, M represents either lithium or sodium.)

Specific examples of colorants expressed by Formula Bk-1 include the colorants shown by the following Formula Bk-1-1, Formula Bk-1-2, Formula Bk-1-3, and Formula Bk-1-4 which are combinations where A₁ through A₃ in Formula Bk-1 are as shown in Table 1. One of these colorants can be used independently, or two or more types can be blended and used together.

TABLE 1 A₁ A₂ A₃ FORMULA Bk-1-1

FORMULA Bk-1-2

FORMULA Bk-1-3

FORMULA Bk-1-4

In Table 1, M represents lithium or sodium.

Furthermore, specific examples of colorants expressed by Formula Bk-7 include the colorants shown by the following Formula Bk-7-1, Formula Bk-7-2, and Formula Bk-7-3. One of these colorants can be used independently, or two or more types can be blended and used together.

(in Formula Bk-7-1, M represents either lithium or sodium. However, all cases of M are not sodium.)

(in Formula Bk-7-2, M represents either lithium or sodium. However, all cases of M are not sodium.)

(in Formula Bk-7-3, M represents either lithium or sodium. However, all cases of M are not sodium.)

If the colorant expressed by Formula Bk-1 and the colorant expressed by Formula Bk-7 are used in combination, the formulation ratio of the colorant expressed by Formula Bk-1 and the colorant expressed by Formula Bk-7 is not particularly restricted, but is preferably between 2:1 and 1:2. Furthermore, if the formulation ratio of the colorant expressed by Formula Bk-1 is too high, the colors on a matte paper may be inferior, but if the formulation ratio of the colorant expressed by Formula Bk-7 is too high, ozonefastness may be inferior, and bronzing phenomenon can easily occur.

Furthermore, the total of the amount of colorant expressed by Formula Bk-1 and the amount of colorant expressed by Formula Bk-7 in the black ink composition is preferably between 5 and 8 wt %, and particularly between 5 and 7 wt %. Within this range, the chromic properties of the recorded image can be ensured, while the occurrence of bronzing phenomenon can be suppressed,

Furthermore, if a colorant expressed by Formula Adj-1 is added, the black ink composition will have an effect of suppressing bronzing phenomenon, and a black ink composition with a tone approaching achromatic color even at intermediate duty can be achieved.

(in Formula Adj-1, M represents either lithium or sodium.)

Specific examples of the colorants expressed by Formula Adj-1 include the colorants shown by the following Formula Adj-1-1 and Formula Adj-1-2.

The weight ratio between the total formulation amount of colorant expressed by Formula Bk-1 and colorant expressed by Formula Bk-7 to the formulation amount of colorant expressed by Formula Adj-1 is preferably in a range between 4:1 and 7:1 from the viewpoint of ensuring color tone.

Furthermore, by adding C. I. Direct Yellow 86 in addition to the colorant expressed by Formula Adj-1, achieving a tone that approaches an achromatic color can be made easier and even more precise color tuning can be achieved as compared to when only the colorant expressed by Formula Adj-1 is added.

The weight ratio between the total formulation amount of colorant expressed by Formula Bk-1 and colorant expressed by Formula Bk-7 to the total formulation amount of colorant expressed by Formula Adj-1 and C. I. Direct Yellow 86 is preferably in a range between 3:1 and 5:1 from the viewpoint of ensuring color tone.

The colorants used in each of the ink compositions in the ink set of the present invention and the amount of colorants in the ink compositions was described above, but other components which are included in each of the ink compositions will be described below.

Each of the ink compositions of the present invention can be obtained by dissolving the aforementioned colorants (dyes) in an appropriate solvent. The solvent for dissolving the colorants in each of the aforementioned ink compositions preferably uses water or a blend of water and a water soluble organic solvent as the main solvent.

The water can be ion exchange water, ultrafiltration water, reverse osmosis water, or distilled water or the like. Furthermore, using water which has been chemically sterilized by ultraviolet light irradiation or the addition of hydrogen peroxide is preferable from the viewpoint of long-term storage. The amount of water in each of the ink compositions that make up the ink set of the present invention is preferably in a range between 40 and 90 wt %, and more preferably in a range between 50 and 80 wt %.

As described above, each of the ink compositions of the present invention can use water and a water soluble organic solvent as a solvent medium. The water-soluble organic solvent is preferably a solvent that is capable of dissolving the dye, and preferably has a lower vapor pressure than pure water.

The water-soluble organic solvent that is used with the present invention is preferably ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butanediol, pentanediol, 2-butene-1,4-diol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, glycerin, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, and other polyhydric alcohols, acetonylacetone and other ketones, γ-butylolactone, triethyl phosphate and other esters, furfuryl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, or thiodiglycol or the like, but there is no restriction to these. By using water and a water soluble organic solvent as the solvent medium in the ink composition, the stability of discharging ink composition from the ink head can be improved, and the viscosity of the ink composition can easily be adjusted downward or the like while having almost no impact on other characteristics.

Furthermore, at least one type of moisture retaining agent selected from a sugar can be included in each of the ink compositions of the present invention. By including a moisture retaining agent in the ink composition, evaporation of the water content from the ink can be suppressed and the ink will be able to retain moisture when the ink composition is used with the inkjet recording method. The sugar which is used with the present invention is preferably maltitol, sorbitol, gluconolactone, or maltose or the like. Note, the aforementioned water soluble organic solvent also acts as a moisture retaining agent.

The total amount of water-soluble organic solvent and/or moisture retaining agent in the ink composition is preferably between 5 and 50 wt %, more preferably between 5 and 30 wt %, and even more preferably between 5 and 20 wt %. If the amounts thereof is 5 wt % or higher, and ink with good moisture retaining properties can be obtained, and if the amount is 50 wt % or less, the viscosity of the ink composition can be adjusted to a viscosity that is preferable for use with an inkjet recording method.

Other preferable additives which are added to the ink compositions that compose the ink set of the present invention will be described below.

The ink compositions that compose the ink set of the present invention preferably contain a non ionic surfactant. By adding a nonionic surfactant, the permeability of the ink composition into the recording media will be excellent, and during printing, the ink composition will quickly adhere to the recording media. Furthermore, each dot that is recorded by the ink composition on the recording media is preferably as round as possible, and the effects of increasing the roundness of the image formed by a single dot and improving the quality of the image obtained can be achieved if a nonionic surfactant is included in the ink composition.

The nonionic surfactant that can be used with the present invention is preferably an acetylene glycol based surfactant, but this is not a restriction. The acetylene glycol based surfactant that is used in the ink compositions of the present invention is preferably a compound expressed by the following Formula a-1:

(in Formula a-1, R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ represents a straight chain, cyclic, or branched chain alkyl chain with between 1 and 6 carbons, and A¹O and A²O each independently represent an oxyalkylene chain with between 2 and 3 carbons, such as oxyethylene or oxypropylene, or a polyoxyalkylene chain obtained by polymerizing or copolymerizing alkylene oxides with between 2 and 3 carbons, such as a polyoxyethylene chain, a polyoxypropylene chain, or a polyoxyethylenepropylene chain. Furthermore, in the formula, n and m represent the number of units of A¹O or A²O, or in other words the number of repeating oxyalkylene units, and are numbers that meet the conditions of 0≦n<30, 0≦m<30, and 0≦n+m<50.) Examples of the acetylene glycol based surfactant include Surfinol 465 (trademark), Surfinol 104 (trademark) (product trade names, manufactured by Air Products and Chemicals Inc.), Olfin PD001 (trademark), Olfin E1010 (trademark) (product trade names, manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), and at least one type of surfactant selected therefrom is preferably added to the ink compositions that compose the ink set of the present invention.

With the present invention, the nonionic surfactant in the ink compositions should be added such that the amount of nonionic surfactant in the ink composition is preferably between 0.1 and 5 wt %, and more preferably between 0.5 and 2 wt %. By adding 0.1 wt % or more of a nonionic surfactant to the ink compositions, the permeability of each of the ink compositions into the recording media can be increased. By adding 5 a wt % or less of the nonionic surfactant to the ink compositions, bleeding of the image formed by the ink composition on the recording media can be suppressed.

Furthermore, by adding a glycol ether as a permeation enhancing agent to the ink composition in addition to the nonionic surfactant, permeation of the ink composition into the recording medium can be enhanced, while at the same time, bleeding of ink at the interface between adjacent color inks during color printing can be reduced and a very vivid image can be obtained. Therefore, a permeation enhancing agent is preferably added to the ink compositions that compose the ink set of the present invention.

Examples of the aforementioned glycol ethers which are preferably used as a permeation enhancing agent include ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, triethylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol dimethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether, triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, and the like, but there is no restriction to these. The amount of these glycol ethers in the ink composition is preferably between 3 and 30 wt %, and more preferably between 5 and 15 wt %. By adding 3 wt % or more of a glycol ether, bleeding between adjacent inks during color printing can effectively be prevented, and by adding 30 wt % or less, smearing of the image can easily be prevented, and the storage stability of the ink can be improved.

Furthermore, other materials selected from a pH adjusting agent such as triethanolamine or an alkali metal hydroxide, water-soluble polymer such as sodium alginate, a water soluble resin, a fluoride based surfactant, a preservative, an antifungal agent, a rust inhibitor, a dissolving aid, an antioxidant, and an ultraviolet light absorber and the like can also be added if desired to the ink composition of the present invention. These components can be used individually, or as a blend of two or more. Furthermore, these components do not need to be added if there is no need. A person skilled in the art can use a preferred amount of a selected additive to the extent that the effect of the present invention is not hindered. Note, the aforementioned dissolving aid is an additive for dissolving insoluble materials and maintaining the ink composition in a uniform solution, when an insoluble material is deposited from the ink composition.

Examples of the dissolving aid include N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 2-pyrrolidone and other pyrrolidones, urea, thiourea, tetramethyl urea, and other ureas, allophanate, methylallophanate and other allophanates, biuret, dimethylbiuret, tetramethylbiuret, and other biurets, and the like, but the present invention is not restricted to these, Furthermore, an example of the aforementioned antioxidants includes L-ascorbic acid or salt thereof, but there is no restriction to these.

Examples of the aforementioned preservatives and antifungal agents include sodium benzoate, sodium pentachlorophenol, sodium 2-pyridinethiol-1-oxide, sodium sorbitate, sodium dehyroacetate, and 1,2-dibenzothiazoline-3-one (Proxel CRL, Proxel BDN, Proxel GXL, Proxel XL-2, and Proxel TN (all product names) manufactured by AVECIA Biologics, Ltd.), and the like, but there is no restriction to these.

Examples of the aforementioned pH adjusting agent include amines and derivatives thereof such as diethanolamine, triethanolamine, propanolamine, and morpholine; metal hydroxides such as potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and lithium hydroxide; ammonium salts such as ammonium hydroxide, quaternary ammonium hydroxide (such as tetramethyl ammonium and the like); carbonates such as potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, and lithium carbonate; as well as other phosphates and the like, but there is no restriction to these.

The ink set compositions that compose the ink set of the present invention are prepared using appropriately selected components from the aforementioned components, and the viscosity of the ink composition obtained is preferably less than 10 mPa·s at 20° C. Furthermore, with the present invention, the surface tension of the ink composition is preferably 45 mN/m or less at 20° C., and a range between 25 and 45 mN/m is particularly preferable, By adjusting the viscosity and the surface tension in this manner, an ink composition with favorable properties for use with an ink jet recording method can be obtained. Adjusting the viscosity and the surface tension can be performed by appropriately selecting and adjusting the amount of solvent and the amount of each type of additive included in the ink composition, as well as the types of additives and solvents and the like which are added.

Note, the ink compositions which compose the ink set of the present invention preferably have a pH at 20° C. that is between 7.0 and 10.5, more preferably between 7.5 and 10.0. By maintaining the pH of the ink composition at 20° C. at 7.0 or higher, peeling of the plating codeposited on the inkjet head can be prevented, and the spray characteristics of the ink composition from the inkjet head can be stabilized. Furthermore, by maintaining the pH of the ink composition at 20° C. at 10.5 or lower, degradation of the various types of materials that contact with the ink composition such as the materials that make up the ink cartridge and the inkjet head, can be prevented.

The method of preparing the ink composition of the present invention is for example a method of sufficiently blending the various types of components that will be included in the ink composition, and dissolving to be as uniform as possible, and then pressure filtering using a membrane filter with a pore size of 0.8 μm, and then degassing the solution obtained using a vacuum pump, but this is not a restriction.

Next, the ink set of the present invention containing the aforementioned ink compositions can be used in an ink cartridge that integrally or independently stores the ink set, and this is preferable from the viewpoint of handling convenience. The ink cartridge that contains the ink set is commonly known in this field of technology, and the ink cartridge can be made by appropriately using commonly known methods.

The ink set and the ink cartridge of the present invention can be used for general writing tools, recorders, and pen plotters and the like, but is most preferably used with an inkjet recording method. The inkjet recording method that can use the ink set or ink cartridge of the present invention also includes any recording method where the ink composition is sprayed as liquid droplets from a fine nozzle, and the liquid droplets are made to adhere to the recording media. Specific examples of inkjet recording methods that can use the ink composition of the present invention will be described below.

The first method is a method known as the electrostatic suction method. The electrostatic section method is a method of recording an image by applying an electric field between a nozzle and an acceleration electrode located to the front of the nozzle, continuously spraying liquid droplets of ink from the nozzle, and applying a printing information signal to a deflecting electrode while the ink droplets are passing between the deflecting electrode, and thereby the ink droplets will travel toward the recording media and the inch will adhere to the recording media, or a method where the ink droplets are sprayed from a nozzle toward the recording media according to a print information signal without deflecting the ink droplets. The ink set or ink cartridge of the present invention is preferably used with the electrostatic suction recording method.

A second method is a method of forcefully spraying ink droplets from an inkjet nozzle by mechanically vibrating the nozzle using a water crystal oscillator while applying pressure on the ink solution using a small pump. The ink droplets sprayed from the nozzle are electrically charged while being sprayed, and a printing information signal is provided to a deflecting electrode while the ink droplets pass between the deflecting electrodes, and thereby an image is recorded on the recording media. The ink set or ink cartridge of the present invention is preferably used with this recording method.

A third method is a method of recording an image on a recording media by simultaneously applying pressure and a printing information signal to a ink solution using a piezoelectric element, and spraying the ink droplets from the nozzle towards the recording media. The ink set or ink cartridge of the present invention is preferably used with this recording method.

A fourth method is a method of recording an image on recording media by heating and causing the ink solution to bubble using ultrafine electrodes in accordance with printing signal information, and then spraying the ink from the nozzle toward the recording media by the expansion of the bubbles. The ink set or ink cartridge of the present invention is preferably used with this recording method.

The ink set or the ink cartridge of the present invention preferably uses an ink composition that is used when recording an image on a recording media using an image recording method according to an inkjet recording system that is included in the aforementioned four methods. Recorded matter that records and image using the ink set or ink cartridge of the present invention will have excellent image quality, and the lightfastness and ozonefastness will be maintained at a practical level while achieving excellent humidityfastness and rapid drying properties,

Embodiments

The present invention will be described below more specifically based on embodiments, but the present invention is not restricted to the following embodiments.

Preparation of Each Ink Composition

Each of the ink compositions was obtained by blending the various components based on the formulations shown in the following Table 2, mixing for 30 minutes at room temperature, and then filtering the solution obtained through a membrane filter with a mesh size of 1.0 μm. Note, in Table 2, the values for each component are expressed as weight % of each component based on 100% of the mass of the ink composition, and the amount of water is shown as “Bal.”, meaning the amount of water that combined with the other components besides water will total 100%.

TABLE 2 C- C- C- C- C- M- M- M- M- M- Y- Y- Y- K- K- K- K- K- 01 02 03 11 12 01 02 03 11 12 01 02 11 01 02 11 12 13 Cyan Dye 1 5 5 C.I. Direct Blue 199 3.5 5 C.I. Acid Blue 9 4 Magenta Dye 1 7 7 Magenta Dye 2 6 C.I. Direct Red 227 3 C.I. Acid Red 52 3 Yellow Dye 1 5 C.I. Direct Yellow 3 173 C.I. Direct Yellow 0.8 0.4 86 C.I. Acid Yellow 23 3 Yellow Dye 2 1 Black Dye 1 6 3 Black Dye 2 6 3 Black Dye 3 6 C.I. Food Black 2 4.5 Glycerin 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 9 10 9 10 10 10 9 9 9 9 9 Triethylene glycol 8 8 8 8 8 6 6 6 6 6 10 10 10 2 2 2 2 2 1,2-hexanediol 1 1 2 2 2 TEGmBE 10 9 10 10 9 10 10 9 10 9 5 5 10 8 8 8 DEGmBE 5 5 10 10 Olfin E1010 (*1) 1 1 1 Surfinol 104PG50 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 (*2) 2-pyrollidone 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 Urea 5 5 Triethanolamine 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 LiOH monohydrate 0.7 0.7 2-nathoic acid 2 2 EDTA 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 Benotriazole 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Proxel XL-2 (*3) 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 Water Bal. Bal. Bal. Bal. Bal. Bal. Bal. Bal. Bal. Bal. Bal. Bal. Bal. Bal. Bal. Bal. Bal. Bal. (*1) Product of Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (*2) Product of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (*3) Product of Arch Chemicals Japan Units: weight %

Furthermore, in Table 2, C represents cyan ink composition, M represents magenta ink composition, Y represents yellow ink composition, and K represents black ink composition.

In Table 2, Cyan Dye 1 is an example of the compound expressed by Formula C-1, and is the compound expressed by Formula A:

and Z1 through Z4 in Cyan Dye 1 are as shown below in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Z1 Z2 Z3 Z4 Cyan —(CH₂)₃SO₃Li —(CH₂)₃SO₃Li —(CH₂)₃SO₃Li —(CH₂)₃SO₂NHCH₂CH(OH)CH₃ Dye 1

The cyan dyes that are used other than the compound expressed by Formula C-1 which is the cyan dye according to the present invention were C. I. Direct Blue 199, and C. 1. Acid Blue 9.

In Table 2, Magenta Dye 1 is an example of a compound expressed by Formula M-1, and is the compound expressed by Formula B:

Note, in Formula B, M represents NH₄ or Na, and the molar ratio of NH₄:Na=1:1.

Furthermore, the magenta dyes that are used other than the compound expressed by Formula M-1 which is the magenta dye according to the present invention were C. I. Direct Red 227, C. I. Acid Red 52, and Magenta dye 2 expressed by Formula C.

Note, in Formula C, M represents NH₄ or Na, and the molar ratio of NH₄:Na=1:1.

In Table 2, Yellow Dye 1 is an example of a compound expressed by Formula Y-2, and is the compound expressed by Formula D:

Furthermore, the yellow dyes that were used other than the compound expressed by Formula Y-1 which is the yellow dye according to the present invention were C. I. Direct Yellow 173, C. I. Direct Yellow 86, and C. I. Acid Yellow 23.

In Table 2, Black Dye 1 is an example of a compound expressed by Formula Bk-1, and is the compound expressed by Formula E: A₁-N═N-A₂-N═N-A₃  (E)

and A₁ through A₃ in Black Dye 1 correspond to the groups shown below.

TABLE 4 A₁ A₂ A₃

Furthermore, Black Dye 2 is an example of a compound expressed by Formula Bk-7, and is the compound expressed by Formula F:

wherein M represents either lithium or sodium. However, all cases of M are not sodium.

Furthermore, the black dyes that were used other than the compounds expressed by Formulas Bk-1 and Bk-7 which are the black dyes according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, were C. I. Food Black 2 and the lithium salt of Black Dye 3 expressed by the following Formula G.

Next, each of the ink sets from Embodiment 1 through 7 and Comparative Examples 1 through 9 were prepared using each of the ink compositions prepared in the combinations shown in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Cyan Magenta Yellow Black Embodiment 1 C-11 M-11 Y-11 — Embodiment 2 C-12 M-12 Y-11 — Embodiment 3 C-11 M-12 Y-11 — Embodiment 4 C-12 M-11 Y-11 — Embodiment 5 C-12 M-12 Y-11 K-11 Embodiment 6 C-12 M-12 Y-11 K-12 Embodiment 7 C-12 M-12 Y-11 K-13 Comparative C-03 M-02 Y-02 — Example 1 Comparative C-12 M-01 Y-11 — Example 2 Comparative C-02 M-12 Y-11 — Example 3 Comparative C-11 M-11 Y-02 — Example 4 Comparative C-01 M-03 Y-11 — Example 5 Comparative C-03 M-11 Y-02 — Example 6 Comparative C-12 M-03 Y-01 — Example 7 Comparative C-12 M-02 Y-01 K-02 Example 8 Comparative C-12 M-03 Y-01 K-01 Example 9

Recorded matter was prepared by printing a filled image consisting of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black (However black was only included for the ink sets which include black.) adjusted so that the outer diameter of each color was between 0.9 and 1.1, on special inkjet recording media <photograph paper (glossy): part number KA420PSK; product name, manufactured by Seiko Epson Corp.> using the ink set shown in Table 5 and an inkjet printer PM-A700 (registered trademark) (product name, manufactured by Seiko Epson Corp.). The following ozonefastness test was performed on the printed matter obtained.

Ozonefastness Test Method

The recorded matter was exposed to ozone at a concentration of 20 ppm at 24° C. and 60% RH using an ozone weath-o-meter model OMS-H (product name, manufactured by Suga Test Instruments Co., Ltd.). The outer diameter of each color recorded on the printed matter was measured at set time intervals from the start of exposure using an intensity meter (Spectrolino (registered trademark), manufactured by Gretag Corp.). The measurement conditions were a light source of D50, and a viewing angle of 2°. Furthermore, measurements were taken using a red filter for cyan, a green filter for magenta, and a blue filter for yellow, and no filter was used for black. The residual optical density (ROD) was determined from the results obtained using the following equation: ROD(%)=(D/D ₀)×100 (In the formula, D is the outer diameter value after exposure testing and D₀ is the outer diameter value before exposure testing.)

Furthermore, based on the results of the above test, the ozonefastness for each color recorded on the recorded matter was ranked A to F using the following judgment criteria.

Judgment Criteria

-   Rank A: ROD does not drop to 70% after 30 hours. -   Rank B: ROD drops to 70% after 24 hours but less than or equal to 30     hours. -   Rank C: ROD drops to 70% after 18 hours but less than or equal to 24     hours. -   Rank D: ROD drops to 70% after 12 hours but less than or equal to 18     hours. -   Rank E: ROD drops to 70% after 6 hours but less than or equal to 12     hours, -   Rank F: ROD drops to 70% in less than 6 hours.

With the present invention, the reduction in the ROD of the recorded matter was minimal even after long term exposure to ozone. The results obtained are shown in Table 6.

From the results of the ozonefastness test for each color the ozonefastness of each of the color sets was ranked using the following judgment criteria.

Judgment Criteria

-   Rank A: The ozonefastness test results were at Rank A for all three     colors (four colors if black is included). -   Rank B: One or more of the 3 color inks (four colors inks if black     is included) had ozonefastness test results at Rank B. -   Rank C: One or more of the 3 color inks (four colors inks if black     is included) had ozonefastness test results at Rank C. -   Rank D: One or more of the 3 color inks (four colors inks if black     is included) had ozonefastness test results at Rank D. -   Rank E: One or more of the 3 color inks (four colors inks if black     is included) had ozonefastness test results at Rank E. -   Rank F: One or more of the 3 color inks (four colors inks if black     is included) had ozonefastness test results at Rank F.

In this evaluation, rank A was the best, followed by rank B. The results obtained are shown as the “Ozonefastness of Ink Set (Ozonefastness)” in Table 6.

Furthermore, the difference (balance) in the changes of ROD for each color of the printed matter caused by exposure to ozone was evaluated for each recorded matter using the following judgment criteria for each ink set.

Judgment Criteria

-   Rank A: The difference between the maximum value and the minimum     value for the ROD of each color (hereinafter referred to as the “ROD     difference” in the discussion of this evaluation method) was less     than 15 points even after 30 hours from the start of testing. -   Rank B: The ROD difference was 15 points between 24 hours and 30     hours after the start of testing. -   Rank C: The ROD difference was 15 points between 18 hours and 24     hours after the start of testing. -   Rank D: The ROD difference was 15 points between 12 hours and 18     hours after the start of testing. -   Rank E: The ROD difference was 15 points between 6 hours and 12     hours after the start of testing. -   Rank F: The ROD difference was 15 points within 6 hours from the     start of testing.

In this evaluation, recorded matter which had a small ROD difference was superior. The evaluation results obtained are shown as “Ozonefastness (Color Balance) of the Ink Set” in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Ozonefastness of Ozonefastness Individual Colors of Ink Set Cyan Magenta Yellow Black Ozonefastness Color Balance Embodiment 1 A A A — A A Embodiment 2 A A A — A A Embodiment 3 A A A — A A Embodiment 4 A A A — A A Embodiment 5 A A A A A A Embodiment 6 A A A C C C Embodiment 7 A A A B B B Comparative D D D — D A Example 1 Comparative A F A — F F Example 2 Comparative F A A — F F Example 3 Comparative A A D — D D Example 4 Comparative F C A — F F Example 5 Comparative D A D — D D Example 6 Comparative A C A — C C Example 7 Comparative A D A F F F Example 8 Comparative A C A A C C Example 9 Fluorescent Lightfastness Test Method

The recorded matter used for the ozonefastness test was re-created for the ink set shown in Table 5, and the recorded matter was exposed using a fluorescent lighffastness tester model SFT-III (product name, manufactured by Suga Test Instruments Co. Ltd.) at 24° C. and 60% RH with an intensity of 70,000 lux. The outer diameter of each color recorded on the printed matter was measured at set time intervals from the start of exposure using an intensity meter (Spectrolino (registered trademark), manufactured by Gretag Corp.). The measurement conditions were a light source of D50, and a viewing angle of 2°. Furthermore, measurements were taken using a red filter for cyan, a green filter for magenta, and a blue filter for yellow, and no filter was used for black. The residual optical density (ROD) was determined from the results obtained using the following equation: ROD(%)=(D/D ₀)×100 (In the formula, D is the outer diameter value after exposure testing and D₀ is the outer diameter value before exposure testing.)

Furthermore, based on the results of the above test, the lightfastness for each color recorded on the recorded matter was ranked A to F using the following judgment criteria.

Judgment Criteria

-   Level A: ROD does not drop below 70% after 30 days. -   Level B: ROD drops to 70% after 25 days but less than or equal to 30     days. -   Level C: ROD drops to 70% after 20 days but less than or equal to 25     days. -   Level D: ROD drops to 70% after 15 days but less than or equal to 20     days. -   Level E: ROD drops to 70% after 10 days but less than or equal to 15     days. -   Level F: ROD drops to 70% in less than 10 days.

With the present invention, the reduction in the ROD of the recorded matter was minimal even after long term exposure to fluorescent light. The results obtained are shown in Table 7.

From the results of the fluorescent lighffastness test for each color, the lightfastness of each of the color sets was ranked using the following judgment criteria.

Judgment Criteria

-   Level A: The lightfastness test results were at Level A for all     three colors (four colors if black is included). -   Rank B: One or more of the 3 color inks (four colors inks if black     is included) had lightfastness test results at Rank B. -   Rank C: One or more of the 3 color inks (four colors inks if black     is included) had lightfastness test results at Rank C. -   Rank D: One or more of the 3 color inks (four colors inks if black     is included) had lightfastness test results at Rank D. -   Rank E: One or more of the 3 color inks (four colors inks if black     is included) had lightfastness test results at Rank E. -   Rank F: One or more of the 3 color inks (four colors inks if black     is included) had lightfastness test results at Rank F.

In this evaluation, rank A was the best, followed by rank B. The results obtained are shown as the “Lighffastness of Ink Set (Lightfastness)” in Table 7.

Furthermore, the difference (balance) in the changes of ROD for each color of the printed matter caused by exposure to fluorescent light was evaluated for each recorded matter using the following judgment criteria for each ink set.

Judgment Criteria

-   Rank A: The difference between the maximum value and the minimum     value for the ROD of each color (hereinafter referred to as the “ROD     difference” in the discussion of this evaluation method) was less     than 15 points even after 30 days from the start of testing. -   Rank B: The ROD difference was 15 points between 25 days and 30 days     after the start of testing. -   Rank C: The ROD difference was 15 points between 20 days and 25 days     after the start of testing. -   Rank D: The ROD difference was 15 points between 15 days and 20 days     after the start of testing. -   Rank E: The ROD difference was 15 points between 10 days and 15 days     after the start of testing, -   Rank F: The ROD difference was 15 points within 10 days from the     start of testing.

In this evaluation, recorded matter which had a small ROD difference was superior. The evaluation results obtained are shown as “Lighffastness (Color Balance) of the Ink Set” in Table 7.

TABLE 7 Lightfastness of Ink Set Lightfastness of Individual Colors Color Cyan Magenta Yellow Black Lightfastness Balance Embodiment A B A — B B 1 Embodiment A A A — A A 2 Embodiment A A A — A A 3 Embodiment A B A — B B 4 Embodiment A A A A A A 5 Embodiment A A A A A A 6 Embodiment A A A A A A 7 Comparative F F F — F A Example 1 Comparative A F A — F F Example 2 Comparative A A A — A A Example 3 Comparative A B F — F F Example 4 Comparative A E A — E C Example 5 Comparative F A F — F F Example 6 Comparative A E C — E C Example 7 Comparative A F C E F D Example 8 Comparative A E C A E C Example 9 Humidityfastness Evaluation

Colored text and white text on color (text formed in white on a filled image of each color) for each color of the ink cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (However black is only included for ink sets which include black.) was printed for the ink sets of embodiments 1 through 7 and comparative examples 1 through 9 on special inkjet recording media <photograph paper (glossy): part number KA420PSK; product name, manufactured by Seiko Epson Corp.>, and dried for 24 hours at 24° C. and 50% RH. Next the recorded media was placed in an environment away from direct sunlight at 40° C. and 85% RH. After setting for 7 days in this environment, the level of bleeding of the text and the white text were visually observed, and an evaluation was made based on the following judgment criteria.

Judgment Criteria

-   Rank A: Absolutely no bleeding of the colorant was observed. -   Rank B: Almost no bleeding of the colorant was observed. -   Rank C: Slight bleeding of the colorant was observed, and the     contour of the text was slightly damaged. -   Rank D: Bleeding of the colorant was observed, and the contour of     the text was damaged. -   Rank E: Bleeding of the colorant was observed, the text was thicker,     and the white on color text was generally stained. -   Rank F: Severe bleeding of the colorant was observed, and both the     text and the white on color text were illegible.

The results obtained are shown in Table 8 as “humidityfastness”.

TABLE 8 Humidityfastness of Individual Colors Humidityfastness Cyan Magenta Yellow Black of Ink Set Embodiment 1 A A A — A Embodiment 2 A A A — A Embodiment 3 A A A — A Embodiment 4 A A A — A Embodiment 5 A A A A A Embodiment 6 A A A A A Embodiment 7 A A A A A Comparative F F E — F Example 1 Comparative A A A — A Example 2 Comparative A A A — A Example 3 Comparative A A F — F Example 4 Comparative A E A — D Example 5 Comparative F A F — E Example 6 Comparative A E D — D Example 7 Comparative A F D E F Example 8 Comparative A E D D D Example 9 Evaluation of Rapid Drying Resistance

Colored text and white text on color (text formed in white on a filled image of each color) for each color of the ink cyan, magenta, yellow, and black was printed for the ink sets of embodiments 1 through 7 and comparative examples 1 through 9 on special inkjet recording media <photograph paper (glossy): part number KA420PSK; product name, manufactured by Seiko Epson Corp.>. An unprinted special inkjet recording media <photograph paper (glossy): part number KA420PSK; product name, manufactured by Seiko Epson Corp.> was placed on top of each printing sample immediately after printing, and then a 200 g weight was placed thereon, and allowed to sit for 24 hours at 24° C. and 60% RH. After sitting, the top sheet was removed, and the level of bleeding of the text and the white text on color were visually observed, and an evaluation was made based on the following Judgment criteria.

Judgment Criteria

-   Rank A: Absolutely no bleeding of the colorant was observed. -   Rank B: Almost no bleeding of the colorant was observed. -   Rank C: Slight bleeding of the colorant was observed, and the     contour of the text was slightly damaged. -   Rank D: Bleeding of the colorant was observed, and the contour of     the text was damaged. -   Rank E: Bleeding of the colorant was observed, the text was thicker,     and the white on color text was generally stained. -   Rank F: Severe bleeding of the colorant was observed, and both the     text and the white on color text were illegible.     The results obtained are shown in Table 9 as “Rapid Drying     Resistance”.

TABLE 9 Rapid Drying Resistance Rapid Drying of Individual Colors Resistance Cyan Magenta Yellow Black of Ink Set Embodiment 1 A A A — A Embodiment 2 A A A — A Embodiment 3 A A A — A Embodiment 4 A A A — A Embodiment 5 A A A A A Embodiment 6 A A A A A Embodiment 7 A A A A A Comparative F F E — F Example 1 Comparative A A A — A Example 2 Comparative A A A — A Example 3 Comparative A A F — F Example 4 Comparative A E A — D Example 5 Comparative F A F — E Example 6 Comparative A E D — D Example 7 Comparative A F D E F Example 8 Comparative A E D D D Example 9

The results obtained for the four types and six items of evaluation, namely ozonefastness, lightfastness, humidityfastness, and rapid drying resistance, are shown again in Table 10 and a rain came of the overall characteristics was made.

TABLE 10 Rapid Ozonefastness of Lightfastness of Humidity Drying Ink Set Ink Set fastness Resistance Color Color of Ink of Ink Ozonefastness Balance Lightfastness Balance Set Set Overall Embodiment 1 A A B B A A A Embodiment 2 A A A A A A A Embodiment 3 A A A A A A A Embodiment 4 A A B B A A A Embodiment 5 A A A A A A A Embodiment 6 C C A A A A A Embodiment 7 B B A A A A A Comparative D A F A F F E Example 1 Comparative F F F F A A E Example 2 Comparative F F A A A A C Example 3 Comparative D D F F F F F Example 4 Comparative F F E C D D E Example 5 Comparative D D F F E E F Example 6 Comparative C C E C D D D Example 7 Comparative F F F D F F F Example 8 Comparative C C E C D D D Example 9

A ranking of A through F was made for the overall characteristics, and a rank of A was most superior, followed by a superior rank of B. Furthermore, a rank of F indicated the worst characteristics.

The present invention has a possibility of industrial application as an ink set that can maintain lightfastness and ozonefastness at a practical level while being able to record an image with good humidityfastness and rapid drying properties on a recording medium, as well as an ink cartridge, inkjet recording method, and recorded matter. 

1. An ink set comprising at least a yellow ink composition, a magenta ink composition, and a cyan ink composition: the magenta ink composition containing as a colorant at least one type of compound expressed by the following Formula M-1

 wherein in Formula M-1, M represents a hydrogen atom, an ammonium group, or an alkali metal atom, X represents a diaminoalkylene group, and n is either 1 or 2; the yellow ink composition containing as a colorant at least one type of compound expressed by the following formula Y-1

 wherein in the formula Y-1, X₁, X₂, Y₁, and Y₂ represent a hydrogen atom or a cyano group, Z₁ and Z₂ represent a substitution group with an aromatic ring, R₁ and R₂ represent an alkyl group, and M is a metal atom; and the cyan ink composition containing as a colorant at least one type of compound selected from the group consisting of compounds or salts thereof expressed by the following Formula C-1

 wherein in Formula C-1, X₁, X₂, X₃, and X₄ independently represent either —SO—Z or —SO₂—Z; wherein Z independently represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group; Y₁, Y₂, Y₃, and Y₄ independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group, a cyano group, an hydroxyl group, a nitro group, an amino group, an alkylamino group, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, an amido group, an arylamino group, an ureido group, a sulfamoylamino group, an alkylthio group, an arylthio group, an alkoxycarbonylamino group, a sulfonamide group, a carbamoyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, a heterocycloxy group, an azo group, an acyloxy group, a carbamoyloxy group, a silyloxy group, an aryloxycalbonyl group, an aryloxycalbonylamino group, an imido group, a heterocyclothio group, a phospholyl group, an acyl group, or an ionic hydrophilic group, and each of the groups may also have substitution groups; a₁ through a₄ and b₁ through b₄ represent the number of substitution groups of X₁ through X₄ and Y₁ through Y₄; furthermore a₁ through a₄ are independently integers between 0 and 4, but are not all simultaneously 0; b₁ through b₄ are independently integers between 0 and 4; M represents a hydrogen atom, a metal atom or oxide thereof, a hydroxide, or a halide; with the proviso that, at least one of X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, Y₁, Y₂, Y₃, and Y₄ is an ionic hydrophilic group or a group which has an ionic hydrophilic group as a substitution group.
 2. The ink set according to claim 1, wherein the n represents 2 in the compound expressed by the Formula M-1 which is contained in the magenta ink composition as a colorant.
 3. The ink set according to claim 1, wherein the magenta ink composition contains between 0.6 and 10 wt % of at least one type of compound expressed by Formula M-1, based on the total weight of the magenta ink composition.
 4. The ink set according to claim 1, containing a urea derivative in the magenta ink composition.
 5. The ink set according to claim 4, wherein the urea derivative is one or a blend of two or more compounds selected from the group consisting of urea, aryl urea, dimethylol urea, malonyl urea, carbamyl urea, n-butyl urea, dibutyl urea, N,N-dimethyl urea, 1,3-dimethyl urea, N-methyl urea, hydroxyurea, ethyl urea, methyl urea, creatinine, 2-imidazolidinone, benzyl urea, (R)-(+)-1-phenylethyl urea, phenyl urea, 3-hydroxyphenyl urea, 1-phenylsemicarbazide, 4-phenylsemicarbazide, N-benzoyl urea, and N,N-O-phenylene urea.
 6. The ink set according to claim 4, wherein the magenta ink composition contains between 0.5 and 20 wt % of the urea derivative, based on the total weight of the magenta ink composition.
 7. The ink set according to claim 1, wherein the compound expressed by Formula Y-1 which is contained in the yellow ink composition as a colorant is a compound expressed by the following Formula Y-2

wherein in formula Y-2, X₁, X₂, Y₁, and Y₂ represent a hydrogen atom or a cyano group, W₁ through W₅ and W₁₁ through W₁₅ each represent a hydrogen atom, or a carboxyl group or salt thereof, M represents a metal atom, and t-Bu represent a tertiary butyl group.
 8. The ink set according to claim 1, wherein the total amount of colorant in the yellow ink composition is between 1 and 7 wt % based on the total weight of the yellow ink composition.
 9. The ink set according to claim 1, wherein in the compound expressed by Formula C-1 that is contained as the cyan dye in the cyan ink composition, M represents a copper atom, X₁, X₂, X₃, and X₄ represent —SO₂Z, Z represents R⁵ wherein R⁵ represents —(CH₂)₃SO₃M² where M² represents an alkali metal atom or R⁶ wherein R⁶ represents —(CH₂)₃SO₂NHCH₂CH(OH)CH₃, Y₁, Y₂, Y₃, and Y₄ are hydrogen atoms, a₁, a₂, a₃, and a₄ are either 0 or 1, two or more of a₁, a₂, a₃ and a₄ are 1, and b₁, b₂, b₃, and b₄ are integers such that the sum of each of them with the corresponding a₁, a₂, a₃, and a₄ is
 4. 10. The ink set according to claim 9, wherein M² represents lithium.
 11. The ink set according to claim 9, wherein for the cyan dye, Z in the compound expressed by Formula C-1 independently represents a blend consisting of tetrasulfonates, trisulfonates, and disulfonates selected from R⁵ or R⁶, and the molar ratio of R⁵ and R⁶ contained in the overall cyan dye is R⁵/R⁶=3/1.
 12. The ink set according to claim 1, wherein at least one type of compound selected from the group consisting of compounds or salts thereof expressed by Formula C-1 is contained as a colorant in the cyan ink composition, and the total amount of colorant contained therein is between 1.0 and 10 wt % based on the total weight of the cyan ink composition.
 13. The ink set according to claim 1, wherein the cyan ink composition contains at least one type of compound selected from the group consisting of naphthalene based aromatic compounds or salts thereof having a carboxyl group in the second position.
 14. The ink set according to claim 13, wherein the salt of the naphthalene based aromatic compound having a carboxyl group in the second position is a lithium salt.
 15. The ink set according to claim 1, further comprising a black ink composition.
 16. The ink set according to claim 15, wherein the black ink composition contains a colorant expressed by the following Formula Bk-1 and/or the colorant expressed by the following Formula Bk-7 A₁-N═N-A₂-N═N-A₃  (Bk-1) wherein in Formula Bk-1, A₁ represents a substitution group expressed by the following Formula Bk-2 or Bk-3, A₂ represents a substitution group expressed by the following Formula Bk-4 or Bk-5, and A₃ represents a substitution group expressed by the following Formula Bk-6

wherein in Formula Bk-7, R₁ represents a halogen atom, H, SO₃M, or COOM, R₂ and R₃ independently represent H, SO₃M, or COOM, and M represents either lithium or sodium, However, R₂ and R₃ are not both H;

wherein in Formula Bk-2, M represents either lithium or sodium;

wherein in Formula Bk-3, M represents either lithium or sodium;

wherein in Formula Bk-6, M represents either lithium or sodium.
 17. The ink set according to claim 16, wherein the total of the amount of colorant expressed by Formula Bk-1 and the amount of colorant expressed by Formula Bk-7 is between 5 and 8 wt % of the black ink composition.
 18. The ink set according to claim 16, wherein the formulation ratio of the colorant expressed by Formula Bk-1 and the colorant expressed by Formula Bk-7 in the black ink composition is between 2:1 and 1:2.
 19. The ink set according to claim 15, wherein the black ink composition further contains a colorant expressed by the following Formula Adj-1

wherein in Formula Adj-1, M represents either lithium or sodium.
 20. The ink set according to claim 19, wherein the colorant expressed by Formula Adj-1 is a colorant expressed by the following Formula Adj-1-1


21. The ink set according to claim 15, wherein the black ink composition further contains C. I. Direct Yellow 86 as a colorant. 